Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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1203. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to examine the case where parents are receiving assessment of need reports stating that autism is not a disability, despite it being classified as such under the Disability Act 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30142/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may wish to note that the word “autism” does not currently appear within the Disability Act 2005.

Section 8(7)(a) of the Act requires that an assessment officer determine whether a disability as part of the Assessment of Need process.

Under the Disability Act (2005), the term ‘disability’, in relation to a person, means a substantial restriction in the capacity of the person to carry out a profession, business or occupation in the State or to participate in social or cultural life in the State by reason of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment.

In making this determination the assessment officer must make their decision within the parameters of the Act and are independent in the performance of their function.

This is not a general definition of disability or a more general assertion as to whether an autistic person is disabled, but rather is definition specific to the Disability Act.

As the Deputy will be aware Autism is a spectrum, which means that it is different for every autistic person. Some autistic people require little or no support, while others may need help from a parent or support person every day.

Separate to the statutory Assessment of Needs process, disability services are provided based on the presenting needs of an individual rather than by the diagnosis of the individual or the actual type of disability or what may be within the legislative parameters of the Disability Act.